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Letters to the Editor

Development would tarnish Rainbow River's beauty

This letter was sent to Jerry Dodd, owner of Rainbow River Ranch and printed at the author's request.

My name is Madison Ermatinger and I'm 14 years old. My family has informed me of the housing development that is supposed to be constructed on the Rainbow River Ranch.

I have grown up on the river, and am aware of the cypress trees lining the shoreline. Not to mention the wetlands, all of which are right in the way of the new houses and docks that are being planned. Where will it all go? Not only are these cypress trees and wetlands naturally beautiful, but also they are housing developments all their own to the alligators, the otters, turtles, fish and birds. Yes, they will be constructing houses, but also destroying homes.

Even the crystal clear water will be affected by the building. With all of the commotion and pollution that will be added to the river, the clear water doesn't stand a chance.

When I was told about the housing development, I couldn't believe my ears. It's unbelievable how they could even think of doing such a thing. I can understand why so many people would want to enjoy the beauty and peace of this river. But with the harm done by constructing these houses, the beauty will be minimal.

Please reconsider, and don't build on our river!

Madison Ermatinger, Dunnellon

Responsible building is needed in Yankeetown

I would like to begin by thanking your newspaper for the unbiased reporting of the news that has unfolded in Yankeetown. Your reporter has met with people on both sides of the issue and has written fair and factual articles.

To set the record straight, the people of Yankeetown have asked for a special election and the governor has listened. Only after the election will we know the fate of our town and what side has the true majority. It will be our constitutional obligation to live with that outcome.

Residents who want to see sensible growth in Yankeetown have been painted with a wide brush by a group of pro-growth supporters. Responsible growth advocates have been accused of being a slanderous mob of thugs. Nothing could be further from the truth! These people are intelligent, hard-working folks who want to retain the community character of Yankeetown. They feel the real value is in the quiet charm of our town.

Pro-growth residents certainly must have a financial agenda because once development is allowed to run rampant, that will be the only redeeming quality left to us. With that being said, it is the consensus of the majority of residents who want responsible growth, that we are not against development in Yankeetown. We only want the persons who purchased this property to build according to the zoning and Comprehensive Plan that was in place when they did so.

The pro-growth faction wants to allow developers to negotiate changes to those rules, allowing for commercial development on residential property. If, as one of our residents wrote in a past letter to the editor, the pro-development faction "just wants to live quietly," I suggest to you that build-out is not the way to accomplish that.

Residents who want responsible building are willing to meet the builders half-way and are not opposed to growth. Some growth in Yankeetown is both expected and welcomed. Let's just do it in a fashion that allows both development and quality of life.

Marsha Drew, Yankeetown

Water cost sends dream up in smoke for landowner

I received a letter today saying I would have to pay $6,000 for the water system, due Aug. 14. Since we have three lots, it would be over $19,000. Now, where in the world will I find that much money in two weeks?

Boy, those guys sitting around that table, where in the world did they come up with that figure? I guess our dream just went up in smoke.

We bought three Chassahowitzka lots from three different people way back in 1990. We went to Citrus County every year to clean them. The palmettos were head-high. We put in plants that needed no care, even planted a Florida gardenia that is big now and plenty of oaks. Guess that was all for nothing. What a shame!

Diana Gleaton, La Place, La.

Crystal River panel ignored the good of the public

Re: Health insurance for Crystal River City County members

Not one person came to the podium during the council's special budget meeting and said, "Yes, we want ONE council member to have health insurance. We'll be happy to pay for this perk."

The fact is that everyone speaking said loud and clear that this was wrong and unethical. This particular "perk" subject was like watching a Kukla, Fran and Ollie show. One council member wants it and two of the others bobble their heads yes, but not one of them could come up with reasons for it to remain in the budget. Sounds like the good ol' boy days coming back with a vengeance.

Health insurance was not the only budget item abused. The travel reimbursement for 2005-06 was totally a one-sided affair with the same council member using over double her allocated funds. When asked by a constituent (me) how the overdraft has been repaid and if it hasn't been, when it would be, the constituent was totally ignored. Hey, it's partly my money and I have a right to know where it has been going. This is the same council member who stated to the media that it was "none of anyone's business." Is that any attitude for an elected official to take?

This is the same council member who asked for (and received) a variance to build within 3 feet of her property line. She voted for each one to be on that Planning Commission and they totally ignored the ordinances pertaining to variances. More shades of the past.

In each case, the good of the public was not considered. Who benefits from this health insurance fiasco, who got additional travel monies at our expense, who can build within 3 feet when the rest of us need at least 10? More residents and taxpayers must become involved. We must elect people who will do what is best for the city, not themselves. We must let our elected officials know that we will no longer tolerate this self-indulgence.

Gail Jannarone, Crystal River

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

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[Last modified July 24, 2006, 06:58:26]